the specs in that price range are all very similar. test ride a few and decide that way.look at runout models (look at bikeexchange.com.au)i'm sure you know it's not the cost of the bike, but all the accessories that go with it!good luck

jasonc wrote:the specs in that price range are all very similar. test ride a few and decide that way.look at runout models (look at <a href="http://bikeexchange.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link added by VigLink" class="vglnk"><span>bikeexchange</span><span>.</span><span>com</span></a>.au)i'm sure you know it's not the cost of the bike, but all the accessories that go with it!good luck

+ 1 to this advice.

Looks like Sora / Tiagra spec'ed new bikes are where your budget is at, nothing wrong with them at all, they will perform well and last a decent time if maintained.

2nd hand 105 bikes will also fall into your budget range but unless you feel compitent to suss out used machinery or you know the specific history of a bike (ie. a mate's bike) then I'd stick to a new purchase as a first roadie purchase.......

all of the bikes you have mentioned will suit your use perfectly. Another thing you've got to worry about is geometry, if you aren't very flexible or have a history of back issues than I recommend more of a relaxed geometry bike like the Giant defy or the Spesh Secteur. If you are fairly flexible (ie touch your toes) you should be fine with a more racy bike like the Spesh Allez or Giant TCR. A "racy" bike will allow you to get into a more racy position. Meaning you will be lower and more stretched out for maximum performance. This is great for racing, however it does put alot of strain on your back and neck. A bike like the Giant defy will sit you more upright for more comfort at the cost of aerodynamics. You can still get a fairly racy position on a Defy with a 17 degree slammed stem. Geometry aside I'd keep an eye out for the 2013 Sora, not all the Sora groupsets are the same, Shimano updated it for 2013 and it is very similar to the previous Tiagra. It doesn't have the thumb shifter that prevents you from shifting from the drops (unless you have very large hands). It also features Hollowtech II technology so replacing the crankset is easier than the previous version, which had a square taper design. I'm aware that the 2013 Giant Defy 3 is equipped with this new Sora and the 2013 Allez sport should be too

There is a marked difference between Sora and Tiagra (although this may have changed since Sora updated the Sora change mechanism).

If you can, try and aim for 105. The quality jump from Tiagra to 105 is not as big as from Sora to Tiagra, but is still worthwhile. I rate 105 (and equivalents in other brands) as the sweet spot in terms of value. If there is any likelihood that road riding will "stick" with you, rather spend more and spend once.

Don't be fooled by bikes that have a one-level-better rear derailleur than the rest of the gruppo. The RD does nothing but go where the shifter tells it it to go...but RD's have more bling value than shifters.

Or you can go with polygon, cell bikes on cycling express etc. but I still think you will be better of buying a "well known" brand. Remember the frame is the most important part of the bike, it is the thing that mostly affects how the bike feels to you. I think the well known brands at this price range will have better frames. All the bikes you linked are quite good. If you are after something cheaper you could look at getting 2012 models as they are discounted now. For $1000 you could get a well known branded 2012 bike with tiagra/105.

The 105 was updated before the Tiagra and Sora groupsets. The 5700 is very similar to the Dura-Ace 7900 and Ultegra 6700. Tiagra has also changed, after 105 but before sora, the 4600 is incredibly similar to the older 105. I've noticed this time when Shimano release groupsets, the Dura-ace, Ultegra and 105 models are very similar, the Tiagra is last generation 105 and the sora is last generation Tiagra... All good groupsets for the money

15wilsonwu wrote:You might want to consider buying a Reid Falco. It has a alu frame, carbon fork, a full Shimano 105 groupset and for all that, all you gotta pay is 850bucks...

If you want a bike with good specs and is cheap a better option than the Reid would be the KHS flite 720 from torpedo7. It is $919 but goes on sale very frequently to eight hundred something dollars. It has 105/ultegra gearing and carbon fork downtube chain stays and seat post.

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